All About Japan Autos

BMW isn’t the only automaker ushering out more fuel efficient vehicles. Chevrolet is too, but we’re not talking about another extended-range electric vehicle like the Volt. Chevrolet plans to release a diesel model.

“According to the crew at GMInsideNews, General Motors is mulling the notion of introducing a diesel Chevrolet Cruze to the American market,” Autoblog reports. “Sources within the Lordstown, Ohio assembly plant responsible for piecing the compact sedan together have confirmed that a diesel Cruze will be built for 2013. If that’s not enough to wipe the stink of skepticism off your person, GMI says that additional sources within The General’s engineering team have confirmed that an oil-burning Cruze is on the company’s schedule.”

A diesel-powered Cruze is a big deal for the United States, but they’re commonplace around the globe. “The news that the Cruze will be the vehicle to come with a diesel engine should not come as a big surprise, especially when considering that in the 60-some countries around the world that can buy the Cruze, most have an available diesel option, according to workers from the Lordstown, Ohio, assembly plant where the Cruze is assembled,” says Left Lane News.

One of the industry’s most important questions is: “How far can it go?” There’s no word yet, but GM Inside News has a few predictions based on the diesel model available in Australia. “In Australia the Holden Cruze CDX has a 2.0-liter diesel engine. In that application the car produces approximately 147 horsepower and 235 feet-pounds of torque. Converting from the Australian fuel economy figures, the Cruze CDX is rated at 34 miles per-gallon in combined driving. It is unclear if the same 2.0-liter diesel will be in the North American Cruze, but one is compelled to assume that will be the case.”

Don’t get too excited just yet – GM hasn’t released any information on its media site about a diesel-powered Cruze. But, if these speculations are correct, Chevrolet could have a winner on its hands, especially if the diesel Cruze is less expensive than diesel options like the Volkswagen Golf and Audi A3, whose gasoline models are pricier than the current Cruze.

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